Stories about Politics from February, 2020
Russians rally against torture after verdict against ‘terrorist cell’
Following a verdict against seven antifascist and anarchist activists, Russia's opposition discovers that whatever their political differences, they could all face the threat of torture.
In Lebanon, journalists and activists who cover protests face threats
Media professionals have raised their voices against the use of excessive force against them while they are trying to cover the mass protests.
‘Luanda Leaks': How Africa's richest woman plundered the Angolan state
The investigation was based on more than 715,000 documents received by the Platform for the Protection of Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF).
#OustDuterte trends as Filipinos criticize government's response to the coronavirus
"How to prevent Corona Virus? 1. Proper hygiene 2. Stay indoors as much as possible 3. Use face masks daily 4. #OustDuterte"
A rash of ‘travel bans’ as the Caribbean gets serious about coronavirus
Several Caribbean territories, including Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Trinidad and Tobago, have imposed travel bans to and from China.
Semi-quarantined: Living with the coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong
"The park is half-empty, but we have decided to let our daughter enjoy a few hours of daily sunshine. We are determined not to let ourselves be overwhelmed by fear."
Viral prank video mocks Putin's cult of personality
Russian blogger Bashir Dokhov hung a huge portrait of Putin in the elevator of a Moscow apartment block. He then installed a camera to record the reactions of stunned residents.
Public outcry over Wuhan coronavirus leads to blame game in China
Despite Beijing's claims, the central government bears significant responsibility for the mismanagement of crucial information in the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak.
What do we know about the ‘Great Firewall of India’?
After a six-month-long internet shutdown, access to only 301 white-listed websites has been granted in Jammu and Kashmir, whereas social media, VPNs and many other sites remain banned.
Slow progress on Moldova's thorny judicial reforms
Last year, disputes over judicial reform brought down Moldova's coalition government. Now the country's new rulers bring new proposals — which experts fear are designed to keep prosecutors under political control.
Controversy in Malaysia: Do Facebook posts about the coronavirus amount to ‘circulating rumors’?
"...while I agree some restrictions are necessary in times of crisis, dragging someone under the Penal Code is unjustified. Restrictions need not be through punitive measures in this case."
No justice in Nepal as politician accused of murder gets elected speaker of parliament
A man accused of murder, Agni Sapkota, replaces a rape-accused as house speaker in Nepal, exacerbating the already dire prospects for justice by fostering a culture of impunity.
Tanzania slapped with US travel ban, individual sanctions amid deteriorating human rights situation
Tanzania's inclusion in the US travel ban speaks to intensifying diplomatic strain between the two countries due to Tanzania's rapid decline in human rights.
How Russia influences Serbian media
Favorable perceptions of Russia and the Kremlin policies result from sustained long-term investment in propaganda, which also affects the wider media sphere in neighboring Balkan countries.
Coronavirus death of whistleblower Li Wenliang sets Chinese social media on fire
The manipulation around his death became obvious. Li Wenliang became an icon as people have come to see his life and death as a reflection of their own fate.
Jair Bolsonaro's government calls Oscar nominee ‘anti-Brazil militant’
Petra Costa tells the story of the divisive events surrounding the impeachment of former president Dilma Rousseff in 2016, while delving into the recent history of Brazil's young democracy.
Nigeria on defensive after US travel ban casts accusations of security noncompliance
The travel ban came as a surprise to Nigeria, which has been a long-time partner with the US in the global fight against terrorism.
What happened during the deadly land dispute clash in Dong Tam, Vietnam?
For years residents resisted relinquishing their land for the construction of a military airport. Tensions peaked this year after two civilians and three officers were killed during a police raid.
Nigeria's digital ID scheme may benefit those ‘with access'— but what about everyone else?
"Without an adequate data privacy or protection law, how can we safeguard against some of the greatest risks that such a system could incur?"
Will Venezuela exclude Haiti from the PetroCaribe relaunch?
The regional energy programme was intended to provide petroleum products to member states under preferential terms; instead, the Haitian government frittered away the gains.
Chen Qiushi: A citizen journalist on the frontline of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak
Chen risks his life by reporting from the center of the epidemic outbreak in Wuhan. He vowed to stand with Wuhan people by bearing witness to the situation inside the quarantined city.
